Portfolio Insights:“Berea College, founded in 1855, is a racially integrated, coeducational liberal arts college. Berea’s motto, “God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth” reflects the conviction of Berea founder and ardent abolitionist, John G. Fee. Berea’s spiritual foundations are rooted in the Christian faith, but Berea welcomes people of all faiths, or no faith at all, to study in a diverse campus setting. Berea is committed to providing a high-quality education for high-achieving students with limited financial resources.

Although international enrollment is limited to about 25 new students each fall, Berea College nevertheless seeks to serve students from as many different areas of the world as possible. Successful candidates for admission have a record of outstanding academic achievement and a strong sense of educational purpose. Berea College does not teach English to those who have not yet mastered the language.”(Source)

1) Berea College is a private institution that was founded in 1855. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,623, its setting is rural, and the campus size is 140 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Berea College’s ranking in the 2015 edition of Best Colleges is National Liberal Arts Colleges, 69. Its tuition and fees are $870 (2014-15).

Situated in the city of Berea, Kentucky, Berea College is known for being the first interracial and coeducational college in the South. Berea is different from most colleges because it does not charge students tuition for attending the school. The college relies on endowment income, gifts and financial aid to support the students in their educational aspirations. All students are required to work a minimum of 10 hours per week in approved jobs on campus and in the community. Along with degree-granting programs in 28 fields, there are also more than 70 organizations for student participation. (Source)

2) Berea College’s endowment of some $975 million is key to the tuition plan. Most of the gifts to the fund came from small donors who value the school’s mission, Berea officials say.

With its leafy campus and its classic red brick buildings, Berea has the archetypal look of the residential liberal arts college in the classic small college town. Berea College’s mission has changed over time but the school was unusual from the start. Berea was founded in 1855 by Christian abolitionists who defied Kentucky’s southern, pro-slavery conventions. The founders maintained that blacks and whites – as well as men and women – should learn and worship together. Berea was shut down by gun-toting neighbors on the eve of the Civil War. It reopened in 1865 to serve freed slaves and those poor, white Appalachian folk who were prepared to attend with blacks. Berea stopped charging tuition in 1892. The school covered the cost through scholarships and endowment proceeds and by requiring students to work on campus. (Source)

3) Fund will provide additional travel to a student at Berea College, traveling, studying or teaching abroad after initial expenses are met. To be used to visit museums, significant architectural and historical sites. (Source)

4) Berea College has appointed Michelle L. Janssen as vice president of alumni and college relations. Janssen was executive director of development at Valparaiso University (Indiana), a national Lutheran university with a broad array of professional colleges grounded in the liberal arts. Her work at Valparaiso began in 1992 and culminated in the design direction of a five-year $200 million comprehensive campaign that raised $238 million for major university facilities as well as increased support for endowment and programs. (Source)

5) Berea College invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Alumni and College Relations. The College seeks a dynamic leader who embraces its historic mission, distinctive heritage, treasured values, regional affinities, and future promise. This position is an important addition to the College’s leadership team, and will be called upon to further advancement initiatives in the areas of alumni relations, development, and public relations. The successful candidate must display sincere appreciation for Berea’s commitment to learning, labor and service; devotion to the Appalachian region; and must be inspired by the College’s eight Great Commitments. (Source)

About Richard C. Wilson

INC 500

FAMILY OFFICE CLUB

The Family Office Club is the #1 largest membership-based community of family office professionals. With over 1,500 registered family offices we have more billionaire family offices, centimillionaire families, and single family office members than our top two competitors combined. Our industry leading website (FamilyOffices.com), a weekly podcast on iTunes, newsletter, webinars, quarterly events, and authored the bestselling book in the industry is what drives membership.